Bahrain arrests 10 members of group accused of bomb attacks

Jun. 03, 2015

MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Officials in Bahrain say they have busted a cell with ties to Iran that is accused of carrying out bombings inside the tiny Gulf kingdom.

A statement issued late Tuesday on the official Bahrain News Agency said 10 people have been arrested and face charges including joining a terrorist group, attempted murder and possessing and using explosives.

It says two suspects inside Iran encouraged and helped recruits in Bahrain to carry out attacks between 2013 and 2015 as part of a group called al-Ashtar Brigade, including by facilitating travel to Iraq for training.

Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. Its majority Shiites led widespread protests starting in 2011 demanding greater political rights from the Sunni monarchy. Some radical government opponents have carried out occasional attacks targeting security forces.